Congressman visits Davis-Standard's facility

PAWCATUCK, Conn.—U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democrat representing Connecticut's Second District, visited Davis-Standard L.L.C. on Aug. 19.

According to the company, Courtney and staff member Taijah Anderson visited the Pawcatuck site to learn more about Davis-Standard's technology, economic impact on the region and the upcoming expansion of the Pawcatuck facility.

Jim Murphy, Davis-Standard president and CEO, and other Davis-Standard leadership team members provided an overview and tour of Davis-Standard, discussing the company's global growth, plant specifics and equipment portfolio.

Davis-Standard, which designs, develops and distributes extrusion and converting technology, is adding 15,000 square feet of manufacturing space and more than 30 jobs in the next two years to its Pawcatuck headquarters, which currently employs more than 400. The addition, slated for completion this fall, will house the manufacturing and precision machining of advanced multi-layer blown film dies.

The company said the expansion will enable it to move all blown film manufacturing for its Gloucester Engineering product line from Gloucester, Mass., to Pawcatuck.

“Davis-Standard has an impressive operation, and it was an honor to tour the facility in Pawcatuck,” Courtney said in a statement. “The cleanliness of the machining floor, advanced manufacturing practices and employee engagement is really something to behold.

“We're very proud of Davis-Standard and the strong economic boost they continue to provide to southeastern Connecticut.”

Murphy said he enjoyed the visit, too, and appreciates the congressman's support of the manufacturing sector

“Last year, Congress enacted a research and development tax credit, and this has been beneficial in helping us further our technological advancements,” Murphy said. “We also appreciate the congressman's support of the Pawcatuck expansion, which will house manufacturing capabilities for our growing blown film business.”

Davis-Standard has operated in Southeast Connecticut since 1848 and is one of the oldest and largest employers in the Southeast Connecticut/Southwest Rhode Island region. In addition to the Pawcatuck facility, Davis-Standard has manufacturing facilities and subsidiaries in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Davis-Standard encompass more than 10 product lines to support manufacturing applications and customers within several industries, including agriculture, automotive, construction, health care, energy, electronics, food and beverage packaging, and retail industries. The company has manufacturing and technical facilities in the U.S., as well as subsidiaries with facilities in China, Germany and the United Kingdom.